The launch of the End Not Defend campaign took place in Westminster this week. It brought together activists, policymakers, and trade union leaders to advocate for stronger legal protections against sexual harassment in the workplace. The campaign calls for legislative reforms to ensure business accountability and for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to be included in addressing workplace harassment.
The campaign seeks to improve existing legal frameworks by:
- Mandating Accountability: strengthening employer measures to prevent sexual harassment and create safe work environments.
- Expanding the Role of the HSE: Bringing workplace harassment under the Health and Safety Executive’s remit, recognising harassment as a significant threat to employee well-being.
- Empowering Employees: Providing clear pathways for reporting harassment and protecting employees from retaliation when they come forward.
Speaking at the launch, Jessie Hoskin, Workers Policy Project stated:
“Sexual harassment is not just a moral failure, it’s a systemic workplace issue that requires structural solutions. The End Not Defend campaign is about holding businesses accountable and ensuring that workers are protected by law, not left to navigate these challenges alone.”
The campaign is underpinned by research produced by academics at Sheffield Hallam University, and is supported by a range of organisations, including the Alex Ferry Foundation, the Lipman-Miliband Trust, Hazards, Unite Hospitality, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Morrish Solicitors and GMLaw.
One of the authors of the Sheffield Hallam report, Dr Ruth Beresford, said “Our research highlights just how endemic workplace sexual harassment is, and the impacts it has on workers, who are disproportionately young, women, minoritised, LGBT and disabled. It also reveals how unsatisfactory outcomes are in the small proportion of cases that are actually reported”.
Dr Bob Jeffery, a co-author of the report added “alongside issues of hiring practices, job allocation and contractual insecurity in certain industries, a key problem is the lack of regulatory action against workplace sexual harassment, with no systematic mechanism of recording or inspection”.
The launch event included contributions from Dawn Butler MP and Baroness Natalie Bennett, who emphasised the urgency of addressing sexual harassment as a matter of workplace health and safety.
Ian Byrne MP added “This is a pivotal moment for employers to step up and show that they prioritise their employees’ well-being. By making prevention a legal and cultural priority, we can create workplaces where everyone is safe.”
The launch event featured panel discussions, testimonials from survivors, and actionable recommendations for policymakers. Participants emphasised the critical need for businesses and regulators to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and shift the focus from defending allegations to preventing harm.
Speaking at the launch, Ranjit O’Mahony an employment law specialist with over 18 years’ experience and a senior solicitor at Morrish Solicitors LLP’s employment team. – partners of the campaign said:
“Changes are desperately needed as the law simply does not go far enough to protect those most vulnerable. It is clear from claimants that many do not report the harassment for quite some time, hoping it will stop. Many are in fear of repercussions or retaliation from their employer, or fear that they won’t be believed. Many are simply too afraid to speak out.”
The End Not Defend campaign has already begun gaining traction, with 38 MPs from a range of political parties signing up to an Early Day Motion supporting the campaign’s aims.
For further information on the campaign or to get involved, please visit https://workerspolicyproject.org/endnotdefend/
Media Contact jessie@workerspolicyproject.com